Cardizem is a brand name for once daily extended-release capsules for the drug diltiazem. It belongs to the group of drugs called “calcium channel blockers” or “calcium antagonists”. Your doctor may have prescribed Cardizem, a medication that helps control high blood pressure and/or symptoms of effort-associated angina. Cardizem relaxes the arteries, thereby lowering blood pressure.

Read this leaflet carefully. It does not replace your doctor's or pharmacist's advice. They may have given you different instructions for your particular health condition. Be sure to follow their advice. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Before taking Cardizem

You should tell your doctor the following:

• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  
• If you are breast-feeding.
  
• About all health problems you have or have had in the past.
  
• About all medicines you take including ones you can buy without a prescription.
  
• If you visit more than one doctor, make sure each knows about all the medicines you are taking.
  
• If you are allergic to nonmedicinal substances like food products, preservatives or dyes, which may be present in Cardizem capsules.
  
• If you have ever had a bad, unusual or allergic reaction to any drug containing diltiazem in the past.
  

How to take Cardizem:

Take Cardizem exactly as your doctor tells you. Do not miss doses or take extra doses, unless your doctor tells you. If you are not clear about the direction, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

• Cardizem is taken once daily.
  
• It is important to take Cardizem at about the same time every day.
  
• If you miss a dose, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see what you should do.
  
• Capsules are not to be chewed or crushed.
  

Side Effects

Cardizem like any medication, may have some side effects. It is important that you keep your doctor informed of all side effects especially if you experience one of the following for more than a week. The most common side effects are:

• headache
• dizziness
• peripheral edema (swelling of the ankles)
• nausea (feeling like vomiting)
• flushing
• feeling unusually warm
• a racing heartbeat
• unusual tiredness

Discuss how you feel on Cardizem with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop or restart Cardizem on your own.

Some precautions you should take

• Keep Cardizem out of sight and reach of children.
  
• Do not give Cardizem to other patients because it may not be suitable for them.
  
• Read your prescription label carefully. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
  

Storage

This drug should be stored at room temperature (15 to 30°C) away from moisture.